News
The latest news, updates and analysis on the the UK retail industry. Covering every segment of the market, Retail Sector’s business journalists keep you in the picture.
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Aug- 2025 -14 August
Business rates rise could see more than 100 supermarkets at risk
More than 100 large UK supermarkets could reportedly face closure under government plans to raise business rates for the most valuable retail properties, according to the Financial Times. It learnt that the proposed changes, due to be announced in the autumn Budget, could increase rates for premises with a rateable…
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14 August
EG Group to sell Australian arm to Ampol
EG Group, an international operator of convenience retail, foodservice and fuel stations, has agreed to sell its Australian business to Ampol. The deal values the EG Australia business at an enterprise value of A$1.1bn (£529m), comprising A$850m (£409m) of cash proceeds and A$250m (£120m) of Ampol stock. EG Group said…
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13 August
Claire’s on brink of collapse, 2,150 jobs at risk
Claire’s has appointed administrators in the UK as the jewellery retailer nears collapse, with around 2,150 jobs at risk. Interpath Advisory confirmed that Will Wright and Chris Pole have been appointed as joint administrators, and will “assess options for the business” while all stores continue trading. They will seek a…
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13 August
Number of retail job vacancies lower than pre-pandemic, ONS finds
The number of job vacancies in the wholesale and retail trade; repair of motor vehicles and motor cycles category fell by 10,000 in Q2, the highest volume decrease of any category, according to data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). This category also has 37,000 fewer vacancies than its…
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13 August
Affinity portfolio hits 98% occupancy in H1
Affinity, a portfolio of four UK outlet shopping centres, has welcomed a “standout” half-year performance, with 98% of space now let across the portfolio. The group said its sites in Devon, Staffordshire, Lancashire and Sterling Mills reported a combination of “strong trading, proactive asset management, and compelling retail and leisure…
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13 August
On raises guidance as sales jump 32%
Swiss Sportswear company On has upped its full-year revenue guidance after its second quarter sales jumped 32% to CHF 749.2m (£688.1m). The performance comes as it posted net sales through the direct-to-consumer (“DTC”) sales channel increased 47.2% to CHF 308.3m (£283,1m) and net sales through its wholesale sales channel also…
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13 August
M&S hires former Asda chief people officer
Marks and Spencer has appointed former Asda chief people officer Hayley Tatum to the same role, effective from October 2025. Tatum will join the retailer’s executive committee and begin a month-long induction working in stores and distribution centres. She spent more than 14 years at Asda, most recently as chief…
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13 August
Shoe Zone halves profit forecast amid weak consumer confidence
Shoe Zone expects annual profits to fall by half after seeing a drop in footfall and revenues during June and July, as higher interest rates and weak consumer confidence continue to weigh on spending. The footwear retailer now forecasts adjusted profit before tax of about £2.5m for the year ending…
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12 August
Søstrene Grene and Hollister to open new stores at Midsummer Place
Property investment group NewRiver has announced two new lettings at Midsummer Place in Milton Keynes, with the addition of Søstrene Grene and Hollister. Søstrene Grene will open its first Milton Keynes in August 2026. The Danish lifestyle brand has leased a 6,329 sq ft unit on a multi-year lease, and…
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12 August
Prosus gets EU clearance for Just Eat Takeaway acquisition
Prosus has received European Commission approval for its acquisition of Just Eat Takeaway.com, the final regulatory clearance needed to complete the deal. The decision allows it to move ahead with plans to expand in food delivery, consumer platforms and artificial intelligence. Prosus aims to scale AI solutions across Just Eat…
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